In the past, the classroom grants from the Foundation for Leon County Schools have helped bring technology into students' hands and give them access to STEAM projects.

The grants pay for things tax dollars can't. It's part of the Consortium for Florida Education Foundations’ Matching Fund Program. Last year, the Foundation was able to give out about $110,000 in grants. This year it hopes to give out about $115,000.

One project created a partnership with the Southern Shakespeare Festival at Leon High School. Another brought the history of Frenchtown to life for Griffin Middle School students. Kate Sullivan Elementary Schools were able to take part in engineering STEAM explorations.

Students at Leon High School listening
about the award-winning documentary
Romeo is Bleeding.(Photo: Courtesy Foundation for Leon County Schools)

But the Foundation needs help from the community, said Executive Director Nick Maddox.

"We're only able to fund these projects with gifts from the community," he said. "It doesn't matter if you give $1 or $3,000."

Applications for the upcoming year's grants are open until July 27. The maximum amount of money for a project is $10,000.